Happy Montoya asks for patience

Montoya switched to NASCAR from Formula One, and after an early release from his McLaren contract began preparations with his Chip Ganassi Racing team today, in the hope of entering as many races before the NASCAR season ends in November.

"It's a long-term deal because it's going to take time," Montoya told reporters at Talladega at the end of his first day of testing.

"I think you guys are expecting me to go out and win my very first race, but I don't think that's going to happen.

"But I'm 100 percent committed to this - it's the only thing I'm going to be doing - and we're going to need to make this work."

Montoya was nonetheless adamant that he will adapt to stock cars, after a long career in open-wheel racing.

"It has a steering wheel, four tyres and brakes," he quipped. "It's going to be difficult and it's going to be a challenge, but if you work at it and do the right steps, then it's going to be fine."

And, speaking of his first experience around the tri-oval Talladega circuit, Montoya was ecstatic.

"It was like, oh  my God!" he exclaimed, when asked to describe the experience. "I came out of the pits, and I went into Turns 3 and 4.

"I just went full throttle and went into it. It felt pretty quick; it moves a lot more than what I'm used to."